Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed confidence Monday that the Trump administration will prevail in its Supreme Court showdown over tariffs, defending the aggressive trade strategy as necessary protection for American manufacturers.
Speaking with FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo on “Mornings with Maria,” Lutnick declared the administration’s position on tariffs remains unwavering.
“Tariffs are going to be a part of this administration’s national security and national economic protection of the American people,” he stated.
The commerce secretary, who attended oral arguments at the Supreme Court, predicted victory for the White House.
“We are gonna win the case, it’s pretty clear,” he said.
When asked about contingency plans should the justices rule against the administration, Lutnick indicated the president has multiple options available.
He referenced Sections 232, 301, and 338 of U.S. trade law as alternative mechanisms. These provisions enable the government to impose tariffs or limit imports based on national security concerns or to respond to unfair foreign trade practices.
Lutnick delivered his remarks from Brussels, where he engaged with European lawmakers to advance Trump’s trade objectives. He emphasized that tariffs remain fundamental to the administration’s economic approach.
The commerce secretary highlighted a proposal to distribute tariff revenue directly to Americans.
“One of the ways to prove to the American people how great tariffs are is to have them share in a part of one year’s income from these tariffs and that’s $2,000 a head for people who need the money,” he explained.
President Trump initially proposed the $2,000 tariff-funded payment on Nov. 9, targeting low- and middle-income Americans.
The president subsequently suggested using any remaining funds to address the nation’s $38 trillion debt burden. According to Trump’s timeline, the payments could arrive in mid-2026.
Tariff revenue has experienced substantial growth since the implementation of Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs in April. Fox Business reported that collections jumped from $23.9 billion in May to $28 billion in June, reaching $29 billion in July.
Fiscal year 2025 concluded with total tariff revenue of $215.2 billion, according to Treasury Department figures. The numbers demonstrate the financial impact of the administration’s trade measures on foreign competitors.
The revenue stream shows no signs of slowing. The government collected $40.4 billion in tariffs during the first month of fiscal 2026 alone, suggesting continued robust collections from the tariff program.
Trade Representative Jamieson Greer addressed economic concerns about the proposed $2,000 payments on Sunday. He dismissed suggestions that the one-time distribution would fuel inflation pressures, according to Fox News.
“This is not some kind of ongoing new welfare program or something that would exacerbate inflation,” Greer told “Fox & Friends Weekend.” He characterized the payment as a distinct event rather than a recurring benefit program.
Greer acknowledged that families would appreciate the financial relief but downplayed broader economic implications.
He indicated the payments would not fundamentally alter the nation’s economic trajectory.
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